Bimbadgen Welcomes Seasoned Winemaker Home
- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
After 14 years away from the Hunter Valley, Michael Hatcher is returning to what he considers Australia's premier wine region, taking the helm as Chief Winemaker and Head of Sales & Distribution at Bimbadgen Estate.
Hatcher brings more than 25 years of experience spanning winemaking, commercial leadership, and national wine buying to this strategic appointment. His journey began in southern New South Wales, where he mastered world-class Chardonnay production in the cool climates of the Snowy Mountains under the tutelage of the late Phillip John, the celebrated winemaker behind Lindeman's iconic Bin 65 Chardonnay.
Armed with a Bachelor of Oenology from Charles Sturt University, plus an MBA and Master of Marketing from the University of Newcastle, Hatcher expanded his industry knowledge as National Wine Buyer for Wine Selectors before holding senior roles at Hungerford Hill and serving as Operations Manager and Winemaker at Bunnamagoo Estate Wines in Mudgee.
"It's great to have Michael join our team," says Jordan Rodgers, General Manager – Hunter Valley Operations.
"His genuine pride in the place the Hunter Valley holds in Australian wine history and his understanding of the nuances of Hunter Valley viticulture and winemaking are impressive and genuine."
Hatcher's appointment marks a strategic step forward for Bimbadgen as the business strengthens its winemaking operations and endeavours to expand its reach across both domestic and international markets. He will lead the estate's winemaking program while evolving Bimbadgen's distribution and export strategy.
"I'm thrilled to be returning to the Hunter Valley," Hatcher says.
"My winemaking philosophy is about creating wines with a true sense of time and place, allowing each vintage to speak for itself with minimal intervention. I'm excited to join a business like Bimbadgen that has the scale, spirit, and ambition to reach more people, more meaningfully, both in Australia and abroad."
In addition to leading Bimbadgen's winemaking team, Hatcher will focus on strengthening existing trade relationships, building new partnerships, and engaging the next generation of wine drinkers at the multi-award-winning estate renowned for its iconic bell tower and exceptional hospitality experiences.
